Consumer 3D printing and bio-printing hog most of the headlines these days, but additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping have a decades-long heritage. Our timeline documents some of the key technologies, companies, products, services and applications involved.

Today's tablet landscape is dominated by Apple's iPad and Android devices from Samsung, Google and others, with Windows-based tablets from Microsoft and its partners making recent inroads on the market. But where did all these tablets spring from?

As information begins to emerge about Windows 9, and the venerable Windows XP finally approaches the end of its extended support lifetime, we examine the long and complex history of Microsoft's operating system.

The U.S. government mass surveillance scandal may be the biggest ongoing story of the year. In this updating timeline, you can explore the full scope of the Edward Snowden leaks, which have implicated the world's most powerful nations in the worldwide spying operation.

The iPhone launched in 2007, and the mobile phone market was never the same again. Explore the technological heritage of Apple's smartphone via our interactive timeline — now updated with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus and iOS 8.

Lifeix CEO Xiong Wanli says the company launched its own "Timeline" feature in 2008 before Facebook did likewise in 2011. He adds that U.S. law firms have approached Lifeix to offer their services if the company intends to sue.